Teddy Bear's Picnic Cake

instructions

In advance, roll out fondant to 1/8 in. thickness and cut a 3 1/2 in. circle "plate". Roll narrow rope of fondant and attach to edge of plate with brushstrokes of water. Roll two 8 in. strips of fondant and twist together, shape to make handle of basket. Reserve remaining fondant. Let plate and basket handle dry.

To make basket: Ice top of Singles cake smooth. With serrated side of tip 47 up, pipe basketweave on sides. Position handle on basket. Set aside.

Place two cake boards together, tape and cover with Fanci-Foil Wrap. Make checked blanket: Tint 1 box of fondant pink and use reserved white. Cut 64 fondant rectangles (32 white, 32 rose) measuring 1 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. each. Position pieces on board in checkerboard fashion, attaching with brushstrokes of water. Set aside.

Trim right arms off both bears. Using tip 1A, pipe-in right arms. Ice bottoms of feet and inside of ears smooth with spatula. Pipe-in tip 4 noses and eyes (smooth with finger dipped in cornstarch). Cover bears with tip 16 stars. Pipe tip 4 string eyelashes and mouths.

Position bows on bears. Place cup and saucer candle in one bear's hand and partially bitten cookie in the other bear's hand. Position bears, basket, cookies and candles on blanket.